behind a banner that says, "when we stand together, we stand a chance". some demonstrators targeted the n-r-a with their signs, while others held up names of gun violence victims. across the street, a counterdemonstration. dick heller was there. >> "it's a dangerous city when people are disarmed." >> reporter: both rallies come a day after vice president joe biden hit the road to promote the president's plan for new firearm laws. several high- powered speakers addressed the crowd at the gun control march. but perhaps the most powerful testimony came from colin goddard. a survivor of the 2007 massacre at virginia tech. >> "we need to challenge any politician who thinks it's easier to ask an elementary school teacher to stand up to a gunman with an ar-15, than it is to ask them to stand up to a gun lobbyist with a checkbook." (cheers & applause) >> reporter: the independent firearm owners association president says gun violence won't be solved with a ban. >> "what is going to be the impact on the future ban of those magazines and guns on criminals or crazy people? zero. nada." >> reporter: but